Sealing unlined concrete watercourse without harming frogs, dragonflies, and other life?

[Linda W]

The pond company that I’m working with to track down and fix leak(s) suggested sealing the bare concrete watercourse that runs from the Bog to the stream. He recommends using Thompson’s Multi-Surface, but the reviews on Amazon and on Thompson’s own site are pretty terrible. many seem to find that it stays sticky or discolors.

instead, I’m considering using Pond Armor clear non-toxic Pond Shield after prepping the surface with Pond Armor Surface Prep. The Prep supposed to cling to vertical surfaces, so I’m hoping I can paint it on, wipe it off, sponge it off with water, and then rinse It with a hose but catch the water in a dishpan. I’ll tape plastic to where the watercourse meets the bog. Does this sound safe for the frogs?

I‘ve already stopped the pump, scrubbed the concrete with a brush, and rinsed it off. Would love to hear that the Surface Prep isn’t needed. Would you bother to do this at all?

FWIW, I don’t this this is the major leak source, but it may be part of the problem. I’ve also ordered silicone and Marine Goop to seal the crack you can see on the concrete addition that keeps the water from overflowing on the turn and to seal the edges of the weirs.

 

[GBBUDD]

Thompson’s own site are pretty terrible. many seem to find that it stays sticky or discolors.

Noooooooooo. There are real waterproofing methods Thomson is not one of them. If your pond is leaking do you have any idea where ?

 

[brokensword]

The pond company that I’m working with to track down and fix leak(s) suggested sealing the bare concrete watercourse that runs from the Bog to the stream. He recommends using Thompson’s Multi-Surface, but the reviews on Amazon and on Thompson’s own site are pretty terrible. many seem to find that it stays sticky or discolors.

instead, I’m considering using Pond Armor clear non-toxic Pond Shield after prepping the surface with Pond Armor Surface Prep. The Prep supposed to cling to vertical surfaces, so I’m hoping I can paint it on, wipe it off, sponge it off with water, and then rinse It with a hose but catch the water in a dishpan. I’ll tape plastic to where the watercourse meets the bog. Does this sound safe for the frogs?

I‘ve already stopped the pump, scrubbed the concrete with a brush, and rinsed it off. Would love to hear that the Surface Prep isn’t needed. Would you bother to do this at all?

FWIW, I don’t this this is the major leak source, but it may be part of the problem. I’ve also ordered silicone and Marine Goop to seal the crack you can see on the concrete addition that keeps the water from overflowing on the turn and to seal the edges of the weirs.

I'd be leery of trusting this pond company you're dealing with; they don't seem to be much of an expert...

 

[GBBUDD]

I just saw your set up with the tile edging . In that case there's little question I would have plaster installed.

 

[Linda W]

Noooooooooo. There are real waterproofing methods Thomson is not one of them. If your pond is leaking do you have any idea where ?

I think it’s leaking in two places, down from three! See details and photos below.
1) In the stream towards the bog between the waterlines when the pump is on and when it’s off
2) Around a weir.
3) Fixed: lowered the water line by removing rocks and plants at the start of the stream so the water didn’t get up to the screws holding the aluminum strip in place

Clues:
a) With the pump running, the system leaks 1/3 inch per hour in the lowest pond and 1/8 with auto fill running, about 160 gallons a day With temperatures in the 80s.
b) When the pump is off, each section levels out to its outlet height and stays that way Except for evaporation.
c) The ground is wettest near the stream, but the whole bank is now damp. (The first photo shows my dampness topology map). The ground is solid clay and there is loads of rebar in walls.
d) The ground of the ledge in the large pool yields when you press on it, but rain can get into gaps in the liner At the corners.
e) I’ve inspected the liner by touch and sight with the help of a good flashlight, but folds in the liner make it impossible to check everywhere without loosening the liner.
f) When the pump is off for several days, the ground and the concrete behind the weir dry out and lighten up.

 

[Linda W]

I just saw your set up with the tile edging . In that case there's little question I would have plaster installed.

Ai yi yi! I bet that’s not DIY for me. That would narrow the watercourse too. We already had to add an extra layer to keep water from overflowing when it goes around that corner. But yes if needed.

What do you think about polyurea instead? https://www.pondtrademag.com/an-unnecessary-battle/